Bagenal’s Castle to become a ‘Carnival of Delights’ for one night only

On Friday 19 of October guests will make their way through the big top style entrance as the circus ringmaster welcomes them into a carnival party with an on-site bar and live DJ.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin explains the reasons behind the event:

“Newry has an incredible history of performing arts so we wanted to celebrate that. ‘The Greatest Showman’ was the perfect inspiration to turn the castle into another world of performance and surprise.”

Professional makeup artists will be on-hand to make sure guests look the part before exploring the castle filled with carnival performers. Guests can expect performances from 'dangerous harpist' Ursula Burns, comedian Paul Currie, burlesque dancers, magicians, and fire breathers. They’re also invited to stop by a mysterious fortune teller, or roll up to some Street Countdown and a Sideshow Ramone performance.

The best of local food and drink will be served too - with sweet treats, coffee, and artisan street food outside, to craft gin, beer and cider tastings within the castle walls.

 ‘Carnival of Delights’ will take place on Friday 19 of October in Newry & Mourne Museum, Bagenal’s Castle from 6.30pm – 11.00pm. Tickets for this strictly over-18s event are £10 and available to book online: bit.ly/LateShiftTickets

The event is part of “The Late Shift” – a series of after-dark, adults-only happenings in museums across Northern Ireland this autumn. The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Tourism NI, and the Department for Communities as part of European Year of Cultural Heritage.